Growing Broccoli in Busia

Soil suitability analysis based on Busia's nutrient profile

Busia County is a challenging environment for Broccoli (soil-match score 27/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.29 the soil is moderately acidic, below Broccoli's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.91 g/kg, P 16.6 mg/kg, K 175 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Broccoli, which favours loam. At 1200 m, the county sits below Broccoli's preferred altitude range (1800–2800 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Broccoli is the #100 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Busia County. Broccoli's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 540,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Busia's 27/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,025 kg/acre (~KES 182,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Busia's soil: Macadamia, Avocado, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.